GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsExtended Response (Essay)Medium
A student is outlining an argumentative essay on the benefits of year-round schooling. They have identified three main arguments: improved learning retention, reduced summer learning loss, and more flexible family scheduling. To ensure logical flow and coherence, what is the most effective organizational strategy for these arguments?
- AStart with the weakest argument and build up to the strongest, saving the best for last.
- BCombine all three arguments into a single, long paragraph to demonstrate their interrelatedness.
- CPresent the arguments in the order they were brainstormed, regardless of their connection.
- DDedicate a separate paragraph to each argument, ensuring each is fully supported with evidence.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Dedicate a separate paragraph to each argument, ensuring each is fully supported with evidence.
Effective organization dictates that each main argument should be developed in its own distinct paragraph. This allows for thorough explanation and support of each point, maintaining clarity and coherence for the reader, which is a cornerstone of argumentative writing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While a 'strongest for last' approach can be effective for persuasion, the more fundamental organizational principle is dedicating a paragraph per argument, regardless of its strength order.
- B. Combining all arguments into one paragraph would lead to a jumbled, unfocused, and difficult-to-follow section, hindering clarity and development.
- C. Brainstorming order rarely translates to the most logical or effective essay organization.
Paragraph Structure (Argumentative)
In argumentative writing, each body paragraph typically focuses on a single main argument, providing evidence and explanation to support the overall thesis.
- Starts with a topic sentence introducing the paragraph's main point.
- Includes supporting evidence (quotes, data, examples).
- Provides analysis and explanation of how evidence supports the argument.
- Connects back to the overall thesis statement.
Memory trick: Build your essay with blocks, each a clear, supported thought.